ICBC Portland is here to help an Oregon craft business by awarding one local company at least $10,000 on the main stage at the conference on Sept. 28.

The perfect blend of business-to-business opportunities and activism, the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) returns to Portland on Sept. 27 and 28 with the big-name speakers and movers and shakers in media and industry that have become synonymous with the event.

The world’s premier global cannabis B2B event made its debut in Portland four years ago, just before Oregon became the third state to pass an adult-use legalization law.

This year, the ICBC Portland event will be opened with a message from Oregon’s Sen. Jeff Merkley, the first U.S. senator to endorse a cannabis legalization campaign. Since then, Merkley has emerged to be one of the top elected officials fighting for sensible cannabis laws.

Since recreational cannabis was legalized in Oregon in 2014, the Oregon cannabis industry has created over 19,000 jobs and shattered the expected revenue the state initially predicted, bringing in $80 million a year in new tax revenue when the fiscal estimate was between $17 to $40 million.

However, many businesses are finding it too hard to thrive in an overly-regulated, oversaturated market.

The industry has proven to be ultra-competitive and often too expensive for true mom-and-pop businesses. This year in Portland, the ICBC is hosting its first Mom and Pop Pitch Event that will give Oregon-licensed cannabis company the opportunity to pitch their business in front of a room of investors and entrepreneurs, with one craft company walking away with a $10,000 award, no strings attached.

“We’re excited and pleased to give back to the local Oregon cannabis community with a $10,000 award, and more importantly, placing some great folks doing great work, in front of potential investors and partners,” said Alex Rogers. “The ICBC is known for our networking opportunities and the Portland event is another great chance for those in the cannabis industry, or thinking of joining, to make the connections they need to thrive.”

Finalists participating in this event will have the opportunity to present their business to a sold-out crowd of attendees who perfectly fit their target demographic — which may be a bigger business opportunity in the long run than winning the $10,000 cash prize.

To qualify, an Oregon business must sign up online. Potential candidates must be an Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) licensed marijuana business and eligibility preference will be given to businesses that have majority ownership from local Oregonian.

Those that wish to throw their hat in the ring must agree to the contest rules and be able to give a five-minute presentation at the 2018 Portland ICBC and answer questions from a group of judges.

Interested? Submit a short essay, no more than 300 words, on why you should be considered. The factors considered, among others, are sustainable practices, any programs that benefit Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) patients, positive engagement with the local community and any work done to help end the War on Drugs.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn the latest and network with the top cannabis industry professionals from around the world. Get your tickets by Sept. 12 to save $200 for the Portland ICBC that kicks off with a VIP party on Sept. 27, before a full program schedule and exclusive after-party on the 28th.

ICBC Portland is here to help an Oregon craft business by awarding one local company at least $10,000 on the main stage at the conference on Sept. 28.

The perfect blend of business-to-business opportunities and activism, the International Cannabis Business Conference (ICBC) returns to Portland on Sept. 27 and 28 with the big-name speakers and movers and shakers in media and industry that have become synonymous with the event.

The world’s premier global cannabis B2B event made its debut in Portland four years ago, just before Oregon became the third state to pass an adult-use legalization law.

This year, the ICBC Portland event will be opened with a message from Oregon’s Sen. Jeff Merkley, the first U.S. senator to endorse a cannabis legalization campaign. Since then, Merkley has emerged to be one of the top elected officials fighting for sensible cannabis laws.

Since recreational cannabis was legalized in Oregon in 2014, the Oregon cannabis industry has created over 19,000 jobs and shattered the expected revenue the state initially predicted, bringing in $80 million a year in new tax revenue when the fiscal estimate was between $17 to $40 million.

However, many businesses are finding it too hard to thrive in an overly-regulated, oversaturated market.

The industry has proven to be ultra-competitive and often too expensive for true mom-and-pop businesses. This year in Portland, the ICBC is hosting its first Mom and Pop Pitch Event that will give Oregon-licensed cannabis company the opportunity to pitch their business in front of a room of investors and entrepreneurs, with one craft company walking away with a $10,000 award, no strings attached.

“We’re excited and pleased to give back to the local Oregon cannabis community with a $10,000 award, and more importantly, placing some great folks doing great work, in front of potential investors and partners,” said Alex Rogers. “The ICBC is known for our networking opportunities and the Portland event is another great chance for those in the cannabis industry, or thinking of joining, to make the connections they need to thrive.”

Finalists participating in this event will have the opportunity to present